The Jim Henson Company
announced today licensing agreements with Bensussen, Deutsch & Associates
and Monaco Baking to develop Muppet finger puppets and Muppet cookies
respectively. The finger puppets will be sold exclusively at Starbucks
around the world and cookies will be available in the US and Canada.

"We are thrilled
to bring these unparalleled icons to the über-franchise of coffee
houses," said Betts FitzGerald, Senior Vice President, Licensing
for The Jim Henson Company.

Beginning
in late April, Bensussen, Deutsch & Associates will release their
first set of finger puppets consisting of Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear
and Beaker. Additional Muppet finger puppets scheduled for release include
Miss Piggy, Rowlf, The Great Gonzo, Animal, and the Swedish Chef. In addition
to the United States and Canada, Muppet finger puppets will be available
at participating Starbucks franchises in Japan, Mislays, the Philippines,
Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom
this Summer and Fall.

Kermit the
Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear are currently scheduled to be released
on Monaco Baking's Muppet cookies. These cookies will be available in
May with distribution exclusively at Starbucks both domestically and in
Canada.

Fan site Muppet Central created by Phillip Chapman. Updates by Muppet
Central Staff. All Muppets, Bear characters are copyright
of The Muppets Studio. Sesame Street characters are copyright of Sesame
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Fraggle Rock, Creature Shop and similar likenesses are copyright
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